The REAL Triathlon Podcast

IRONMAN Texas and St. Anthony's Triathlon Showdown

In this episode of the Real Triathlon Podcast, hosts Lisa Becharas, Jackson Laundrie, Garrick Loewen, and Nicholas Chase discuss various topics including the dynamics of their team, the current political climate in Canada, the upcoming St. Anthony's race, and the potential for betting to elevate the sport of triathlon. The conversation flows from light-hearted banter to serious discussions about competition and the future of the sport. In this segment, the conversation revolves around the dynamics of upcoming triathlons, particularly focusing on the changes in race formats, the competitive landscape, and personal expectations for Ironman Texas. The participants share insights on their training, the challenges they anticipate, and humorous anecdotes about making everyday tasks competitive. The discussion highlights the camaraderie and competitive spirit among triathletes as they prepare for their respective races. In this conversation, the participants explore various themes ranging from frugal living and resourcefulness to the nostalgia of smoking sections in restaurants. They discuss the perceptions of time, particularly in relation to airports, and delve into the controversial nature of sponsorships in sports, particularly regarding nicotine products. The conversation also touches on upcoming triathlon races and the evolving structures and rankings within the sport, highlighting the complexities and changes that athletes face. In this conversation, the participants discuss the complexities of athlete contracts within the triathlon community, particularly focusing on the PTO series and the Contender Series. They explore the implications of contract acceptance and the associated penalties for athletes, as well as the payout structures and rankings that influence their decisions. The discussion also touches on rumors circulating within the community, the locations of upcoming 70.3 World Championships, and the challenges posed by course elevations. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of triathlon races and the importance of community engagement.

Lisa's IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside dominance & Nick chats IRONMAN South Africa

In this episode, we discuss Lisa's recent performance at the Ironman 70.3 Oceanside, highlighting her strategy, challenges, and overall race experience. We also delve into the commentary and broadcast quality of the coverage, the interaction between male and female competitors, and propose ideas for improving future triathlon races. Nick explores the challenges of his travel, cultural insights, and the safety concerns he encountered. The conversation also touches on upcoming races and training plans, emphasizing the camaraderie and community within the triathlon world. We discuss our training updates, challenges faced during the season, and the fun segment 'Guess What Lionel Said.' They share insights on race plans, entry fees, and the journey of fellow athlete Marc Dubrick. The conversation also touches on injury updates, future races, and personal running goals, creating a comprehensive overview of our experiences in the triathlon world.

If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here!

 

Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes. 

 

Individual Instagram handles:

Garrick Loewen - @loeweng

Nicholas Chase - @race_chase

Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri

Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas

Pro Talk: Bread & Butter Workouts

Two pros. No fluff. In this episode, Jackson Laundry and Garrick Loewen delve into the sessions that actually move the needle. From high-return threshold sets to brutally honest breakdowns of what’s overhyped in triathlon training.

Jackson shares the key workouts that have made him one of the most consistent racers in the world, while Garrick compares notes and dishes on his own progression as a pro triathlete. They talk volume, intensity, structure—and the mental side of staying sharp when the training gets heavy.

Whether you’re trying to PR your next 70.3 or just curious about how the pros train, this episode brings real insight from two athletes who live and breathe the sport.

When to train HARD vs Chill out - IM South Africa Predictions

In this episode of the Real Triathlon podcast, hosts Lisa, Garrick, and Jackson discuss various aspects of triathlon training, race preparations, and coaching philosophies. They share insights on travel logistics for races, the mental and physical challenges athletes face during training, and the importance of choosing the right accommodations for race day. The conversation also delves into the nuances of coaching swimming, emphasizing that proficiency in swimming is not a strict requirement for effective coaching. The episode concludes with reflections on the dynamics of coaching and the diverse experiences of athletes. In this episode, the hosts discuss various aspects of triathlon training, focusing on the efficiency of swimming for age group athletes, the fun debate of washing vegetables, and the pros and cons of training with carbon shoes. They also make predictions for the upcoming Ironman South Africa race, showcasing their insights and personal experiences in the sport.

An Update On The State of Triathlon with The Tempo News' Matt Sharpe

In this episode, we had the chance to sit down with Olympian Matt Sharpe from the Tempo News. Matt gave us some personal updates, including how he’s navigating a broken toe (thanks to an unfortunate run-in with his dog) and his wife Kristen Kasper’s recovery from surgery. We also chatted about his race plans, including St. George, and what it’s like to manage setbacks while staying race-ready.

We dove into the big stuff too—like USA Triathlon’s financial struggles, the challenges independent race directors face, and how Ironman and T100 are shaping the future of the sport. There’s so much to unpack about what keeps athletes in the game and how to make triathlon more accessible for everyone.

Of course, we kept things fun with a “smash or pass” segment—spoiler alert: peeing on the bike during a race is definitely a smash! This episode is packed with laughs, insights, and a real behind-the-scenes look at what’s happening in triathlon. 

 

If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here!

 

Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes. 

 

Individual Instagram handles:

Garrick Loewen - @loeweng

Nicholas Chase - @race_chase

Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri

Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas

Pass or Smash? Drafting Drama, Tri Couples, Prize Money, Injury Hacks & More!

The Real Tri Squad is back with a jam-packed episode full of hot takes, race-day drama, and triathlon truths! Lisa kicks things off with a wild time trial story featuring a rule-breaking drafter, leading to a heated discussion—do you call them out mid-race or let it slide? We also dive into the world of pro triathlon couples—does training together 24/7 make or break a relationship? Plus, we break down Ironman’s latest prize money trends, the rise (and fall?) of triathlon payouts, and whether the sport attracts athletes who love to spend money.

And of course, Pass or Smash is back! We debate everything from water running and bone stimulators to injury recovery hacks and training shoe rotations. Buckle up for a fast-paced, hilarious, and insightful episode—you won’t want to miss this one!

If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here!

 

Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes. 

 

Individual Instagram handles:

Garrick Loewen - @loeweng

Nicholas Chase - @race_chase

Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri

Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas

IRONMAN Rules & Penalties Updated, Jackson Breaks His Foot

In this episode of the Real Triathlon Podcast, the hosts discuss various topics related to triathlon training, race preparation, and recent updates in the sport. They share personal experiences, including training for Ironman races, dealing with injuries, and travel plans for upcoming competitions. The conversation also delves into the implications of new drafting rules and regulations in triathlon events, highlighting the importance of fair play and athlete integrity. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the latest rules in triathlon races, particularly focusing on equipment restrictions and the implications for athletes. They share personal experiences with race penalties and the challenges of adhering to strict rules. The conversation shifts to upcoming races, with each host sharing their goals and strategies for performance. The episode concludes with lighthearted banter and reflections on the importance of support in racing.

Rythm Health & Doping in Triathlon

This past week we found out that rising star-triathlon Imogen Simmonds was found to have had trace amounts of a banned substance in her blood after a test in Dec 2024. With that going on, of course we had to talk about it as we opened up the show. As a matter of fast, this whole show is about BLOOD Testing and the innovations coming to our fingertips courtesy of Rythm Health. We all need This vital asset as we grow as informed athletes about our blood-ecosystem. As with everything these days, we are all smarter and more away and Robbie Wade has done us a solid to start this process off the right way, by building consumer trust.

Why Most Triathlon Coaches Are Training Their Athletes Wrong | Gregory Harper

Greg Harper is widely regarded as the fastest swimmer in long-course triathlon. He most recently led out of the swim at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships and joins the podcast today to discuss how and why so many triathletes miss the mark regarding their triathlon swim training. 

Time Management Tricks and Habits to Better Integrate Your Training Into Life

In this episode, we're joined by Nicole Falcaro, a pro triathlete and VP at Citi Bank. Nicole shares with us her tricks and habits for integrating a high-performance triathlon training program with a full-time job in a high-paced field. 

 

If you want to go above and beyond consider supporting us over on Patreon by clicking here!

 

Follow us on Instagram at @realtrisquad for updates on new episodes. 

 

Individual Instagram handles:

Garrick Loewen - @loeweng

Nicholas Chase - @race_chase

Jackson Laundry - @jacksonlaundrytri

Lisa Becharas - @lisabecharas